6 min readIt’s easy to walk past an old vase while meandering through the aisles of a thrift store or the halls of an estate sale without giving it so much as a second glance. But if you’re lucky—and if you look close enough—you might find yourself in the presence of a rare collectible. There are usually little tells that convey something extra special, like an unusual silhouette, the delicate touch of a painter’s hand, or an especially dazzling glaze.
Some historic vases were created by legendary artists and manufacturers, and now command hundreds, maybe thousands, of dollars. To help ensure you don’t pass up a potentially valuable vessel perched on a crowded shelf, read through this list of surprisingly collectible vases.
Fan Vases
Hailing from the Victorian era, fan vases are named, aptly, for their fan-like shape. The unique design allowed the flowers to naturally spread outward instead of bunching together, as they would in a traditional vase silhouette.
“Fan vases were often used for table or mantel displays, where the arrangement could spread out and be seen from the front,” explains Erica Vevurka, vintage expert, interior designer, and founder of Dogwood Interiors. “Some examples even include built-in stem dividers so the flowers do not all fall to one side or the other, which makes arranging much easier.”
Vevurka says you can find fan vases in a variety of materials, including silverplate, porcelain, pottery, and glass. Depending on the material, maker, and condition, their value typically hovers between $50 to $150.
Flower Frog Vases
If you’re not familiar, a flower frog is usually a circular piece made of pottery, porcelain, glass, or metal that sits inside a vase, with holes or metal pins that help hold each stem in place. “While flower frogs are often separate pieces that sit inside a bowl or vase, some vases were designed with the frog built directly into the top. You fill the vase with water and then place each stem into the openings so the flowers stay exactly where you want them,” Vevurka says.
Flower frogs became popular in the early 20th century when people started arranging flowers more often in their own homes. You’ll find them in many shapes and materials; some are rectangular flower bricks with frogs built into the top, while others are more traditional vases with a detachable frog insert.
Vevurka says makers like Wedgwood produced examples, and you will also see Delft-style pottery versions. Vintage flower frogs and frog vases are worth anywhere from about $25 to $150, depending on the maker and condition.
Fruit & Vegetable Majolica Vases
Fruit and vegetable decor is enjoying a modern revival, but this vintage vase style dates all the way back to the Italian Renaissance. It was also popular in the mid-1800s Victorian era, especially among English makers. You’ll recognize this valuable vase style by its colorful and realistic fruit and vegetable decorations.
“What makes these special today is their hand-painted charm, vibrant colors, and the whimsical way they bring personality to any space,” says Shannon Barker, vintage expert and co-founder of Bessette. “When shopping, keep an eye out for marks or signatures. A lot of quality makers sign their pieces, which can help you know who made it and sometimes bump up the value. Some names we always look for are Minton, Bordallo Pinheiro, or Fitz & Floyd.”
Value comes from age, maker, condition, rarity, and craftsmanship, but Barker says most mid-century or late 20th-century fruit and vegetable pitchers in good shape usually go from $50 to $300. True 19th-century Victorian majolica pieces often range from $150 to around $1,500, and rare pieces from well-known makers or exceptional designs can reach several thousand dollars or more at auctions or galleries.
Spill Vases
This unusual vase type dates back to the 19th century and was originally designed to hold little wooden tapers called “spills.” These were used to start fireplaces and candles before matches became the norm.
“Many spill vases were made as part of Staffordshire figurines, so you often see them combined with sculptural scenes. These might show couples, men with horses, dogs, lambs, or other pastoral figures,” Vevurka says. “That is part of what makes them so charming—because you are really getting both a sculpture and a vessel in one.”
Since the need for spills is mostly obsolete, many use them as bud vases, small floral arrangements, or to showcase dried branches. When shopping for spill vases, Vevurka says, “Figures can have small chips or cracks, which can add a little character and patina. However, you want to make sure the actual vase portion is intact if you plan to put water in it.”
The most collectible examples are Staffordshire pieces made in England. You can often find vintage spill vases for around $50 to $250, depending on size, detail, and condition. Rare antique examples can go higher.
Ginger Jars
Ginger jars are round ceramic vessels with broad shoulders, a tapered neck, and often a fitted lid. However, they’re most recognized by their intricate blue and white designs that showcase everything from flowers to geometric motifs. This vase style dates back to ancient China, where it was often filled with spices—most often ginger—and given as gifts for weddings and special occasions.
“Originally considered luxury items, ginger jars were displayed to show wealth and status. Even though these jars weren’t originally intended as vases, today they’re perfect for fresh flowers or branches,” Barker says. “Look for hand-painted designs of dragons, florals, or other traditional patterns that are especially meaningful and often symbolize good luck or fortune. Also, check to see if the ginger jar has a lid, as those are often more valuable than those without.”
Depending on the rarity and condition of the vase, authentic ginger jars are worth anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. Note that quite a few modern replicas are floating around, so you’ll need to do some research to make sure you’ve found the real deal.
Urn Vases
A vase style many people recognize, even if they don’t know its actual name, is the urn vase. The shape was inspired by ancient Greek and Roman vessels, and you see it everywhere from antique pottery and porcelain to stone or concrete urns on a front porch or in a garden.
“These vases are usually tall and elegant with a narrow body that sits on a short pedestal,” Vevurka explains. “Urn vases work well for taller arrangements or branches because the narrow opening helps keep the stems upright.”
The value of an urn vase ranges widely depending on the maker and material, but many vintage examples fall somewhere between about $40 and $250.
Basin & Pitcher Sets
In the 18th and 19th centuries, basin and pitcher sets were everyday essentials in washrooms. The pitcher held the water, and the basin caught it. By the Victorian era, Barker says these sets became more decorative and ornate, with fancy ceramics and floral patterns all the rage. One example is the 1988 Laura Ashley “Elizabethan Rose” basin and pitcher.
“While they’re no longer used for washing today, they make beautiful vases. A few stems of fresh blooms instantly bring it back to life,” Barker says. “The history and craftsmanship behind these pieces feel like a tiny time capsule, and you can really feel their charm when you add one to your home.”
Sets in good condition can sell for around $100 to $300, depending on the maker, pattern, and condition. Rarer or more collectible sets can go for more, especially if they’re well-preserved or from a known designer. Barker’s advice is to always look for a matched set, since mismatched or incomplete ones aren’t as valuable.
